Image: Thomas Cashman. Pic: PA/Merseyside Police

Thomas Cashman: Gunman who murdered Olivia Pratt-Korbel, 9, loses another bid to challenge conviction

· Sky News

A gunman who murdered nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel in her own home has lost another bid to challenge his conviction at the Court of Appeal.

Thomas Cashman chased a drug dealer who tried to run into the young girl's home in Knotty Ash, Liverpool, in August 2022.

He opened fire on the house, killing the young girl, before fleeing.

In April 2023, he was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 42 years.

Image: Olivia Pratt-Korbel

The Court of Appeal previously threw out a bid to challenge his sentence last November.

On Wednesday, barristers representing Cashman, 36, told the same court it should order a fresh investigation into claims jurors were provided with panic alarms by police and allegations they were given evidence during deliberations that wasn't presented at trial.

However, three senior judges dismissed the appeal bid.

Lord Justice Holroyde said full reasons for their decision would follow at a later date.

Cashman's trial at Manchester Crown Court heard that Olivia was shot as he chased convicted drug dealer Joseph Nee.

As Nee tried to run into the schoolgirl's home to escape, Cashman opened fire, hitting Olivia's mum, Cheryl Korbel, in the wrist.

The same bullet killed Olivia.

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